Library changed sign

taken with blackberry

I went back to the library today to pick up another book I had reserved - Michael Jackson bio for Ezekiel. Remember, Ezekiel loves Michael Jackson. Well, as you can see, they had changed the sign on the display and also sent me the e-mail below. I didn't think they would change it, but happy they did.

"Ms. Veale, When I spoke with the staff person responsible for the display, she was horrified that she caused you pain. She had seen the phrasing used as a title of a book and thought that it would be intriguing to our mystery readers. She immediately changed the sign to read - Have yourself a merry little mystery. We are sorry that the wording was disturbing to you and are so sorry for your loss. We want the library to be a place of comfort and never one of distress."

A Merry Little Murder!!!!!!?????

sign at the public library in section for murder mysteries

During lunch today I headed to the library to pick up some books I had reserved. As I walked thru the door, I was stopped short by the sign above….Have yourself a Merry Little Murder???? I’m sure to someone who has never experienced the loss of a loved one to murder, this sign would be cute with the reference to having a Merry Little Christmas, but it made me literary sick to my stomach. I just stood there for a minute dumbfounded. There wasn’t anything merry about Samuel’s murder or anyone’s murder for that matter.

I have to admit, I’ve read murder mysteries before, but I’m not sure I could now. I use to watch First 48, but don’t watch that anymore either. It hits too close to home. Having a loved one murdered changes your perspective. I’m thinking of sending an e-mail to the library. They may not do anything about it, but at least I have let them know how this seemingly innocent sign can affect someone who has to deal with murder every day. It's not merry at all!

****UPDATE: I sent an e-mail to the director of the libraries and just received a response. I was surprised to even get a response.

"Thank you so much for letting us know about the display at the Library. I am very sorry for your experience at the library today. I have contacted the Region Supervisor, and she will be at North Library tomorrow morning to address the display."

Christmas Parade

Since moving to Raleigh, we've been going to the annual Christmas parade. And every year while watching the parade, we dream of going to NYC to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. One day we will make it, but until then, here is Raleigh's parade.










Betty or Wilma? Betty has always been my favorite.


Santa's elves made an appearance.




One of Raleigh's big floats. They had a hard time keeping him in the air.








Ezekiel

After the first hour or so, the boys were complaining of the cold. We didn't make it to see Santa at the end. We didn't make it last year either.


Elijah


TJ


Manuel and Andrea were across the street from us.

More to come.......

I planned on posting while everyone was here for the Thanksgiving holiday, but as you can see, didn't happen. Manuel is still here and I plan on taking belly shots of Andrea and get pictures of me and the boys. I have a lot of catching up to do.....


Dad and I

I dreamt of Samuel last night

The dream started with Samuel and Manuel together. I can't quite remember what they were doing, but they were together in a room. I was also in the room. Samuel's hair was long like in the picture below. He was trying to grow it out to get braids, but we ended up cutting it.

I told Samuel to come over to me because I wanted to brush his hair. He sat down in front of me, I brushed his hair for a second then reached around to hug him. I was holding him so tight.....he was alive! I didn't want to let him go. Then I woke up.

The first few seconds of awakeness, I was happy. Samuel wasn't dead..it was all a bad dream. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. him being alive was the dream. I noticed my arms were wrapped around myself like I was still holding Samuel. I tried to go back to sleep, to bring him back to me, but I couldn't. I lay in bed, wiping away tears.

Sledding Raleigh Style

This is probably the only time the boys will ever get to sled. Of course Manuel was the biggest kid.

Manuel sledding - he was the fourth one coming down. You can't miss him, he's the biggest one.

Elijah sledding...

Ezekiel sledding - he is on the left side.

Tomorrow

Manuel, Ezekiel, Elijah

Well, tomorrow Manuel and Andrea will be here. I have so much I need to do today. I didn't get everything done at home this weekend like I should have, so tonight I will be rushing around trying to get everything done....so not looking forward to that! I always seem to wait until the last minute to get things done. We all are excited about everyone coming. I have no clue how we are going to entertain everyone for the week. I'm sure there will be some domino playing, spade playing and lots of eating. Other than that, no clue. I do know I will have tons of pictures, so be prepared.